Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2026-06-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – The housing market changes by the day, creating both challenges and new opportunities for buyers navigating today’s uncertainty. Amid this fluctuating landscape, newly constructed homes are rapidly gaining traction as a smarter alternative to resale properties. With competitive pricing, modern features and minimal surprises, these homes are reshaping perceptions of what is affordable and attainable.

Here’s why an increasing number of buyers — from first-timers to luxury seekers — are prioritizing new builds over previously owned options.

1. Builder incentives are closing the price gap

The generalized notion that new construction costs significantly more than resale homes doesn’t consider all factors. Today’s housing market offers a range of value-driven opportunities that help make new construction more attainable, from reduced mortgage rates to lower closing costs. Builders like Century Communities are streamlining the homebuying process, making new homes a smart investment with modern features, energy efficiency and fewer unforeseen expenses, all while delivering lasting value for years to come.

“These financial advantages often lower closing costs and reduce monthly payments, making new construction competitive with, or even more affordable than, resale homes once you factor in the mortgage and any immediate repair costs older homes typically require,” said Jim Francescon, an executive at Century Communities. “As a rule of thumb, resale homeowners should expect to set aside 1% to 4% of their home’s value annually for repairs and maintenance — on a $400,000 home, that’s up to $16,000 per year. With a new build, builder warranties and modern systems can significantly reduce these costs, offering buyers considerable savings in the early years of ownership.”

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 64% of builders offered sales incentives and 37% cut prices in 2025. Other financial benefits builders may offer include lower closing costs and reduced interest rates, making homeownership more affordable.

2. Skip the bidding wars and costly surprises

Resale homes often come with competition and unexpected expenses. Multiple-offer situations can drive prices above asking, while inspection reports frequently reveal costly issues: aging roofs, outdated HVAC systems, problematic plumbing or electrical work that doesn’t meet current code.

New construction eliminates these headaches. Everything is new, built to current standards and comes with warranties, meaning you won’t face a potential $15,000 HVAC replacement or $20,000 roof repair in your first year of homeownership.

3. Energy efficiency that impacts your monthly budget

Today’s building codes mandate energy efficiency standards that didn’t exist even a decade ago. The result? New homes feature better insulation, energy-efficient appliances and advanced window technology that significantly reduce monthly utility costs.

For example, new homes from Century Communities include features like ENERGY STAR^®-certified appliances, Low-E windows, WaterSense^®-certified fixtures and tankless water heaters that aren’t just environmentally friendly, they translate to real savings every month. Over years of homeownership, the difference between heating and cooling a new home versus an older one can amount to thousands of dollars.

4. Modern layouts designed for how people actually live

Resale homes often reflect outdated design trends, closed-off rooms, limited storage, smaller closets and floor plans that don’t accommodate today’s work-from-home reality or open-concept living preferences.

New construction from homebuilders like Century Communities offers layouts tailored to contemporary lifestyles, with flexible spaces, home office options and — depending on the stage of construction — the ability to customize finishes, colors and fixtures before you move in. No need to live with someone else’s choices or spend additional money renovating.

5. Warranty protection and peace of mind

New homes typically come with builder warranties covering structural elements and major systems, protection rarely available with resale properties. This coverage reduces the stress and financial risk of unexpected failures during your first years of homeownership.

6. The market advantage

While personal preferences vary, the current market conditions make new construction particularly appealing. The combination of builder incentives, modern efficiency standards and move-in-ready quality is creating value that’s hard to match in the resale market.

For buyers weighing their options, new construction deserves serious consideration — not just as the premium choice, but as the practical one. To learn more about the advantages of buying a new build and to explore a range of high-quality homes at various prices, visit CenturyCommunities.com.

2026-06-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – When humidity rises, many homeowners turn up the AC, but that can be expensive. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that heating and cooling account for about 52% of the average U.S. home’s energy use.

The good news: you don’t have to choose between comfort and saving money. Elizabeth Shavers, Director of IHT and Safety at Oncourse Home Solutions, shares five expert tips to help you keep both your home and your budget cool this summer.

1. Give your thermostat a vacation

“Treat your thermostat like a speed limit, not a volume knob,” Shavers says. “Setting it to 65°F won’t cool the house any faster; it just forces the system to run longer and waste energy.”

According to the Department of Energy, homeowners can save roughly 3% on their cooling bill for every degree they raise the thermostat.

“Try setting it to 78°F when you’re home and nudging it up a few degrees when you’re away. This simple shift can reduce annual cooling costs by as much as 10%,” Shavers says.

2. Don’t let dust drain your budget

“A dirty AC unit doesn’t work as well,” Shavers says. “If the coils — the tubes that carry refrigerant and transfer heat — get covered in dust, your system will work much harder to move less air.”

What you can do:

• Change your air filter every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets or allergies, aim for the 30-day mark.
• Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of debris and ensure the unit has adequate space around it for proper airflow.
• Schedule a professional tune-up. While cleaning your AC yourself helps, Shavers says a professional Cooling Maintenance or Heating & Cooling Maintenance visit makes the biggest difference. A technician can clean internal components and ensure the system is running efficiently.

3. Neutralize the silent killer of appliances

Summer brings heat and storms. Power surges from lightning or grid issues can damage sensitive circuit boards in modern cooling units.

“Homeowners are often surprised that modern, high-efficiency units are actually more vulnerable to electrical fluctuations,” says Shavers. “Small, silent surges from the grid can accumulate until the system suddenly fails.”

What you can do:

• Use high-quality surge strips for small electronics, but never plug major AC units into standard power strips.
• Get a dedicated Surge Protection plan. It works like a firewall for your home, and is installed at your electrical panel to stop power surges before they reach your home’s wiring.

“With the average cost of a central air conditioning replacement now ranging from $5,000 to over $12,000, according to industry data from Angi and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, this proactive step can prevent a small electrical glitch from becoming a total system loss,” Shavers says.

4. Reverse your perspective

Check your ceiling fans. In summer, the blades should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.

“This creates a wind-chill effect, so you can raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees and still feel comfortable,” Shavers says. “It’s the cheapest cooling trick you have. Just remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.”

5. Future-proof your peace of mind

Efficiency isn’t just about saving money on your monthly bill; it’s about avoiding the “emergency tax.” If your cooling system breaks down on a 95-degree Sunday, repairs can be incredibly expensive.

“Many homeowners are moving toward proactive protection to avoid last-minute stress,” says Shavers. “Comprehensive coverage, like the warranty plans from Oncourse Home Solutions, helps U.S. homeowners save more than $100 million annually in unexpected repair costs. By using a pre-vetted network of trusted technicians, we handle scheduling and price comparisons for you. This ensures that when something goes wrong, the solution is already in motion, allowing you to keep your cool even when the temperature rises.”

Stay cool and save. Find more energy-smart solutions at oncourse.com.

2026-05-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – (Photo depicts samples of James Hardie^® siding, wood based siding, and vinyl siding simultaneously exposed to direct flame until failure.)

Last January, the Eaton Fire swept through the San Gabriel Mountains, devastating several Southern California communities. Altadena was one of the communities hit hardest by the fire, with thousands of structures damaged or destroyed.

For the families whose houses burned down during the disaster, they lost more than the roof over their heads. They lost their homes — places defined by families’ moments of joy and special memories.

The people of Altadena have spent the last year rebuilding and revitalizing their community, and they haven’t had to do it alone. Thanks to the efforts of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) and James Hardie Building Products Inc, Altadena families are finding their footing again, one home at a time.

Rebuilding with resilience in mind

Habitat for Humanity has a long history of helping communities recover from disasters, including hurricanes, floods and wildfires. Through its partnership with James Hardie — a leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions — SVG Habitat has completed construction on the first 25 Altadena homes in the community using the company’s durable, fire-resistant and noncombustible products.

“We’ve said from the start that this is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s about restoring hope, stability and a future,” said Bryan Wong, chief executive officer with SGV Habitat. “We’re making strong progress to help this community move forward after a devastating loss, thanks to this donation from James Hardie.”

For James Hardie, this isn’t a one-off donation. As part of a multiyear effort, the company has committed to donating its best-in-class fire-resistant products, including noncombustible* Hardie^® fiber cement siding and top-rated fire-resistant TimberTech^® decking, as well as AZEK^® trim and fascia products.

“Our portfolio of resilient products is purposely designed and engineered to stand up to the harshest elements,” said Amanda Cimaglia, vice president of Global Sustainability at James Hardie. “We are proud to support San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity in their rebuilding efforts after the devastating wildfire in Altadena.”

The home designs are based on preapproved Foothill Catalog design, developed specifically for post-wildfire rebuilding to support faster construction and improved resilience. Combined with James Hardie’s fire-resistant and noncombustible building materials, these homes have been rebuilt with resilience in mind, using materials that help harden them against external fires.

“A home is more than a structure. It’s a place of refuge, stability and belonging,” said Cimaglia. “As extreme weather events become more frequent, a home’s exterior is its first line of defense — and resilient building materials play an increasingly important role in helping communities rebuild stronger to be better prepared for the future.”

To learn more about James Hardie fiber cement products, visit JamesHardie.com/Fire.

*Hardie^® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, can help harden a home against external fire.

2026-05-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s finally here: plenty of bright sunshine, warm weather and the lively atmosphere that only summer can deliver. You’re totally ready to kick it up a notch and enjoy the season, but is your home? Beyond doing a deep clean and de-clutter for the season, chances are your living spaces could use a total refresh to help you celebrate the summer months in style.

To help you get your home feeling as summery as it does outdoors, try these simple steps to liven up each room.

Freshen up your bedroom

This is definitely the right time to make the switch to a fresh, lightweight duvet or comforter for your bed. Look for bedding colors that invoke beachy summer vibes, like cool light greens and blues, or that create the feeling of a warm sunny garden with colors like peach, pink or lavender.

Pro tip: Stay cooler all night long by choosing breathable fabrics for your bedding, like cotton percale, linen and bamboo.

Make your kitchen party-ready

Brighten up your space in an unexpected way this summer with an exciting new approach to the trash bags in your kitchen. Add a joyful pop of color along with appealing scents by trying out the new vibrant peach bags from the Hefty^® Color Series lineup, which combine trusted Hefty strength and performance with the Fabuloso^® Peach fragrance to help your kitchen stay clean and fresh all season long. You can feel confident that these bags will combat most stubborn kitchen smells, thanks to Hefty’s powerful odor neutralization and extended scent release.

Pro tip: Personalize each space with vibrant scents and bold pops of color that bring personality to everyday routines. With Hefty Color Series, you can brighten up multiple spaces in your home and customize the experience by room. Available in a variety of sizes, each product adds a playful, functional touch throughout your home. For example, use Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Trash Bags with Fabuloso Peach Scent in a vibrant peach color in your kitchen, Hefty Small Trash Bags in Fabuloso Lavender Scent in a vivid purple color in your bathroom, and Hefty Medium Trash Bags in Fabuloso Watermelon Scent in a bold pink color in your laundry room.

Put the life back in your living room

To make your living room feel a bit livelier, swap out heavier window treatments like dark-colored drapes or blinds with lighter treatments that let in more natural light. Swap out older, dated throw pillows or rugs for a few new options that feature brighter colors. Try a tropical theme or use floral-inspired abstract designs to create an even more summery ambiance.

Pro tip: If your living room still seems dreary after trying these tips, swap out your light bulbs for white light bulbs (4000 K to 6000 K), which have a cooler tone that more closely resembles natural light.

Brighten your bathrooms

You can instantly update the look of your bathroom for summer with a few simple swaps — no plumbing required! Changing out your shower curtains and opting for a lighter and brighter shade (and lighter weight) of towels and bathmats can make a world of difference. Consider adding a small plant or two to help create a coastal or tropical atmosphere, choosing plants that thrive in high humidity and don’t need direct sunlight.

Pro tip: Bathroom accessories that work together don’t have to match perfectly. Simply select a consistent color palette that looks great and evokes the feeling of summer for you. Think contrasting color pairs like olive green and peach, lavender with mint green or navy blue against crisp white.

Uplift your laundry area

Give your laundry room a facelift with a fresh coat of paint in a brighter color or introduce better organization in summery ways with a set of woven baskets or bamboo hampers. And don’t forget to bring a pop of fun color and fresh scent into your revamped laundry space with one of the Hefty Color Series Medium Trash Bags in Fabuloso Peach, Watermelon, or Lavender.

Pro tip: Need more space for drying items? Install a wall-mounted drying rack to help keep counters clear.

All of these tips will help your home feel brighter and fresher, so you’ll be ready for anything the summer has in store.

Visit Hefty.com to check out the new Fabuloso Peach scent, a permanent addition to the Hefty Color Series lineup, available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com.

2026-05-03T08:01:01

(BPT) – You probably know someone in your community who makes a difference every day. Whether they are a health care worker or first responder, a teacher or Army Reservist, a community volunteer or veteran — or simply one of your neighbors who deserves a helping hand, the Feel The Love program sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation wants to know about them.

For anyone who may be facing financial hardship or illness, or who may have been impacted by a natural disaster, having a home that provides the worry-free safety and comfort of heating and cooling is crucial.

Lennox, a leading provider of reliable home comfort solutions, and the LII Lennox Foundation are kicking off their annual Feel The Love program in partnership with residential dealers across the U.S. and Canada. Through the program, Lennox donates essential heating and cooling equipment, while local Lennox dealers generously donate their time, expertise, and resources to install HVAC units for deserving homeowners, as well as nonprofit organizations. The LII Lennox Foundation, established in 2023, sponsors Feel The Love and other charitable initiatives that help support the communities where Lennox employees live and work.

How Feel the Love helps provide reliable heating and cooling where it’s needed

Since 2009, Feel The Love has installed more than 3,100 heating and cooling systems for homeowners in need across North America, including over 400 installs in 2025 alone. The Feel The Love program provides much-needed relief to those who may be struggling with uncomfortable living conditions. It also brings communities together, encouraging a spirit of generosity and support.

It’s easy to get involved: Submit your nomination today

Anyone can submit their nominations for the program starting on May 1 of this year, with nominations closing on Aug. 31, 2026. During Feel The Love Week held annually each October, the selected recipients will receive a new, high-efficiency Lennox heating or cooling unit, professionally installed by participating local Lennox dealers, at no cost to them.

Do you know about a nonprofit organization that is helping your community be a better place? You can nominate them, too: Now 501(c)(3) nonprofits are also accepted as Feel The Love program nominees (though they must be able to take residential HVAC equipment).

Last year, the Feel The Love program provided four new much-needed air conditioning units for H.A.L.O.’s No Kill Animal Shelter in Sebastian, Florida, to help keep the shelter’s staff and their many rescued animals feeling safe and comfortable all year long — even throughout the famously hot and humid Florida summers.

To learn more, or if you’d like to nominate a community member or nonprofit organization for this year’s Feel The Love program between May 1 and Aug. 31, visit FeelTheLove.com.

2026-04-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Across the country, developers are breathing new life into abandoned hospitals, historic churches, vacant offices and deserted malls, transforming these underutilized buildings into apartments, hotels and mixed-use spaces through adaptive reuse strategies.

Adaptive reuse is an attractive option for many developers and building owners and has been steadily gaining popularity over the last couple of decades. According to RentCafe, in 2024 alone, close to 25,000 apartments from adaptive reuse projects were completed in the U.S., representing a 50% increase from the prior year.

Why has this trend taken off? Because adaptive reuse repurposes existing buildings instead of demolishing them and starting fresh, check out this YouTube link for a method that can lead to lower construction costs, speed project delivery, enhance sustainability and extend the life of existing structures. That said, adaptive reuse comes with its own challenges, especially when it comes to plumbing.

Plumbing challenges when converting existing buildings

Converting structures originally designed as offices or other commercial purposes into residential or hospitality spaces often presents plumbing challenges. Because these buildings weren’t built to accommodate additional wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms, installing traditional below-floor plumbing can require extensive demolition or costly infrastructure changes.

For example, when the project team at ABA Constructors Inc. was tasked with reimagining a Clearwater, Florida, office property’s plumbing infrastructure to support residential and hospitality demands, they knew they had quite the challenge on their hands.

The mixed-use project called for approximately 80 apartments and 40 hotel units, requiring more than 110 bathrooms. The original structure of the building was not designed to support this level of plumbing density. Without a closely spaced plumbing stack, a traditional gravity plumbing system was a non-starter.

Another issue that the team had to deal with was the fact that multiple floors remained occupied by office tenants with active leases. Traditional plumbing methods would have required cutting into structural concrete slabs, disrupting tenants below.

Had the ABA team decided to move forward with below-floor plumbing, the contractors would have had to install all the plumbing at night or shut down the occupied spaces. However, they decided to move forward with a creative, alternative method that allowed the team to avoid unnecessary and disruptive demolition: Above-floor plumbing.

How a flexible plumbing solution makes adaptive reuse possible

Above-floor plumbing solutions — like grinder and drain pumps — allow developers, architects, engineers and contractors to add wet areas without breaking concrete floors. In the case of the Clearwater building, the ABA team chose to install three different SFA Saniflo above-floor plumbing systems to address the multiple needs of the reuse project.

When adding plumbing to the converted two-bedroom, two-bath apartments, ABA installed a Sanibest Pro grinder system (the workhorse of the Saniflo line) behind each room’s toilet to handle that fixture’s wastewater as well as gray water drainage from the nearby shower and bathroom sink. The team also used this grinder solution in each guest bathroom of the hotel area of the building.

Meanwhile, one Sanicom 1 commercial-grade drain pump was installed to move the wastewater from the added laundry facilities. This drain pump model is designed to handle high-temperature gray water in demanding residential and commercial applications.

Finally, the contractors installed a Saniswift Pro drain pump to move wastewater from the kitchen sink. While this powerful, compact gray water drain pump is typically recommended for residential projects, it easily met the needs for this adaptive reuse project.

Preservation and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive. By using a creative solution like above-floor plumbing, contractors and other adaptive reuse project stakeholders can add modern conveniences to existing buildings, giving them a new purpose. To learn more about above-floor plumbing and how these solutions have made challenging or impossible projects feasible, visit SFASaniflo.com.

2026-04-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – When temperatures drop, the last thing homeowners want to worry about is whether their furnace will keep up.

Your furnace works quietly in the background all season long, helping ensure every room stays comfortable, daily routines run smoothly, and your home is protected when the weather turns harsh. Planning ahead means avoiding last-minute worries when temperatures drop.

And with energy costs continuing to rise, preparing for the future matters more than ever. Choosing an energy-efficient furnace today helps ensure dependable comfort tomorrow, while helping manage long-term heating costs year after year.

Heat your home, not your energy bill

To help homeowners stay comfortable while using less energy, Lennox has introduced a new high-efficiency gas furnace designed to deliver reliable warmth, quiet performance and added peace of mind.

What makes it different?

• Smart safety features that can sense if something isn’t right and respond automatically to help protect your home.
• Exceptional efficiency, converting nearly all the fuel it uses into heat for your home. That means less waste and more comfort.
• Remarkably quiet operation, so quiet, you may forget it’s even running.

The best of both worlds: Comfort and efficiency

For even greater flexibility, the furnace can be paired with an electric heat pump. Together, they can automatically switch between gas and electric power to help keep your home comfortable while using energy in the smartest way possible.

Your whole home, working smarter together

This furnace becomes even more powerful when connected with other Lennox home comfort products:

• A Lennox smart thermostat that lets you control your home’s temperature and monitor your system from anywhere.
• Whole-home air purification that helps reduce airborne particles and ensures consistently cleaner air in every corner of your home.
• System alerts and reminders that help you stay on top of maintenance and even allow you to share updates with your local Lennox dealer if something needs attention.

Together, these products help create a home that feels comfortable, clean and reliable, all year long.

Comfort you can feel, confidence you can count on

Energy efficiency and peace of mind don’t happen by accident. They come from choosing home comfort equipment designed to look out for you and your family every day.

To learn more and find a Lennox dealer, visit Lennox.com.

2026-04-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – As temperatures rise and lawns come out of winter dormancy, the first lawn mowing of the season becomes a critical reset point for overall turf health. Lawn care experts say how homeowners approach this first cut can influence everything from root development to how well the lawn holds up against heat, drought and weeds in the months ahead.

“Early in the season, your lawn is transitioning into an active growth phase, so it’s more sensitive to stress,” said Jason Wilk, senior product manager at ECHO Incorporated. “How you handle that first mow can either support that transition or set it back.”

Clear debris and address winter damage first

A strong start begins with clearing what winter left behind. Sticks, leaves and compacted debris don’t just get in the way, they can block airflow and sunlight at the soil level, leading to slower, uneven growth.

Before that first mow, Wilk recommends walking the yard to remove buildup and assess any light damage to shrubs, small branches or overgrowth. For quick cleanup, a battery-powered blower like the ECHO DPB-2500 Blower can efficiently clear debris, while a compact pruning tool like the ECHO DHS-3006 Pruning Saw is well-suited for trimming small limbs and winter dieback.

Taking the time to fully reset the yard before mowing creates a more consistent surface and reduces the likelihood of damaging equipment during that first pass.

Prep your equipment to protect the lawn

After months of sitting idle, lawn equipment should be checked to ensure it’s operating properly before the first use. Even small maintenance oversights can impact cut quality and stress your lawn during a critical growth period.

“A sharp blade doesn’t just improve how your lawn looks, it helps protect it,” Wilk explained. “Clean cuts heal faster, while torn grass blades can lead to moisture loss and make the lawn more vulnerable to disease.”

Before your first mow, Wilk recommends running through a quick equipment check:

• Inspect and sharpen mower blades: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can lead to browning and increased susceptibility to disease
• Check battery charge and connections (for battery-powered models): Ensuring a full charge and secure connection helps deliver consistent power throughout the mow
• Check and top off engine oil (for gas-powered mowers): Proper lubrication helps ensure smooth operation and prevents unnecessary wear
• Clean or replace the air filter: A clogged filter can reduce engine efficiency and impact performance
• Inspect the deck and undercarriage: Built-up grass or debris can affect airflow and cut quality
• Test safety features and controls: Making sure everything is functioning properly before use helps avoid interruptions once you begin mowing

Taking a few minutes to address these basics helps ensure more consistent performance and a cleaner, healthier cut from the start.

Control the first mow and trim lawn edges

One of the most common early-season mistakes is cutting too much at once. While overgrowth is normal coming out of winter, removing too much of the grass blade can shock the plant and weaken its ability to recover.

Turf experts widely follow the “one-third rule,” meaning no more than one-third of the grass blade should be removed at a time.

“People want that fresh-cut look right away, but taking too much off too quickly can set your lawn back,” Wilk added. “A more gradual approach helps it recover and grow in more evenly.”

For areas a lawn mower can’t easily reach, like around trees, fences and tight edges, a string trimmer such as the ECHO DSRM-225 String Trimmer can help create a clean, finished look without overcutting those more delicate areas.

Choose the right lawn mower for early spring conditions

Early-season lawns are often thicker and uneven, making that first mow more demanding than routine cuts later in the year. Using a lawn mower that can maintain consistent power and cutting performance in these conditions helps prevent uneven results and reduces unnecessary stress on the lawn.

Walk-behind mowers like the ECHO DLM-2100SP Self-Propelled Lawn Mower are designed to handle these conditions with features like a brushless motor for gas-like power and a self-propelled system that helps maintain a steady pace.

This type of consistency is especially important during the first mow, where uneven cutting can impact how the lawn fills in throughout the season.

“Consistency is key on that first mow,” Wilk noted. “You want a mower that can handle those early-season conditions without forcing you to overwork parts of the lawn.”

Dial in mowing height to support root development

Mower height plays a major role in how your lawn performs throughout the season. For many common cool-season grasses, experts recommend maintaining a height between 2.5 to 4 inches, especially early in the season when the lawn is still establishing.

Keeping grass slightly taller helps retain moisture, encourage deeper root systems and improve the lawn’s ability to withstand heat and weeds over time. Wilk recommends erring on the taller side early in the season, allowing the lawn to build strength before gradually adjusting to a maintenance height.

Time your mow and finish clean

Conditions on mowing day can directly impact results. Cutting wet grass often leads to clumping, uneven distribution and added strain on equipment, while also increasing the likelihood of soil compaction.

Waiting until the lawn is dry allows for a cleaner, more precise cut and helps maintain the integrity of both the grass and the mower. After mowing, using a blower like the DPB-2500 to clear clippings from driveways and sidewalks can help complete the job and maintain a polished look.

Start strong to simplify the season ahead

Taking a more intentional approach to the first mow creates long-term advantages. By improving cut quality, reducing stress and using the right tools, homeowners can set their lawns up for more consistent growth and easier yard maintenance.

With the right preparation, that first mow becomes less about catching up after winter and more about setting the pace for a healthier, more resilient lawn all season long.

2026-04-10T08:01:01

(BPT) – In an era of constant digital transformation and economic unpredictability, staying ahead of life’s “what-ifs” is a meaningful effort. Whether it’s a sudden home appliance breakdown or a sophisticated digital scam, the sheer volume of “to-dos” may lead to decision fatigue.

“Protecting your assets requires a strategy. With an AARP membership, our members have access to a curated list of special benefits that take the guesswork out of safeguarding what matters most to them,” said Jeff Gaboury, Senior Vice President of Financial Products and Services at AARP. “By leveraging these benefits, our members can cut through any potential decision fatigue and build a comprehensive safety net that helps to protect their home, families and futures.”

But protecting your hard-earned assets can be handled with ease and confidence. AARP member benefits give you access to practical, everyday tools to help safeguard your home, your identity, your family’s future and more. By focusing on these four steps, you can build a safety net that is both robust and manageable:

1. Protect your most valuable asset

Your home is most likely your biggest investment, and like many homeowners, you’ve probably been caught off guard by the “hidden” costs of maintenance. Beyond standard insurance, a home warranty can help protect your systems and appliances. AARP members can save $36 or more on an American Home Shield^® home warranty, which can help cover things in your home that break down over time, like the refrigerator, dishwasher, HVAC system and water heater. Plus, this discount can be combined with any valid sitewide promotional offer to save you more. Terms apply. See shopping.ahs.com/aarp for details. This offer is valid for only new American Home Shield members. See the plan agreement at ahs.com/contracts/ for coverage details, service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.

Another great way to protect your home is with Homeowners Insurance. Get access to information on discounts for house and condo insurance to help protect your most valuable assets, with customized coverage and benefits designed especially for AARP members. You can also save on car insurance, including savings when bundling home and auto policies.

2. Guard Your identity

Guarding your identity is very important, and keeping it secure should feel seamless, not stressful. While technology is always changing, protecting yourself is easier than ever with LifeLock. AARP members can save 44% off identity theft protection plans that detect and alert you to threats you could miss on your own. *Terms apply.

3. Build your financial plan with confidence

Financial security isn’t just about saving, it’s about informed growth. AARP members can save up to $144 per year on Yahoo Finance Premium Plans, which include financial tools and research to help build wealth and retire comfortably. You can analyze your portfolio’s risk and performance, get expert stock picks, dividend analysis, risk insights and customizable screeners for confident long-term investing.

4. Plan for the future and establish your legacy

Everyone wants the peace of mind that comes with knowing loved ones will be taken care of, no matter what happens. AARP members have access to information on personalized long-term care options to find solutions to help protect your retirement assets and prepare for the future. AARP members also have access to information on Life Insurance Plans to make sure that you’re taking care of the ones you care about most.

The last piece of the puzzle is creating an estate plan. AARP members receive a 20% discount on trusts, wills and estate planning documents with Trust & Will; you have access to customer support, customizable documents and one year of free unlimited updates. By leveraging your member benefits and practical tools from your AARP membership, you can ensure that your home, finances and family remain secure in an ever-changing world.

*May not be available in every state.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2026-04-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Outdoor living isn’t just a trend; it’s a priority. According to the International Casual Furnishings Association, 77% of U.S. homeowners wish they spent more time outside, and nearly 60% plan to invest in their backyards this year, prioritizing durability and practicality.

“Homeowners want outdoor spaces that deliver style with substance that can stand up to everyday life,” said Jodi Lee, senior vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the world’s #1 brand of wood-alternative decking and railing. “We’re seeing an increased focus on materials built to take on sun, moisture and changing climates, so backyards aren’t just beautiful, they’re built to last.”

Here are six trends set to define outdoor living this year:

1. Micro-Resort Living: Everyday Escapes at Home

Backyards are evolving into resort-style retreats with zones for yoga, dining and entertaining. Outdoor kitchens, ambient lighting, fire features and water elements create a vacation vibe at home. Thanks to low-maintenance, durable materials like Trex composite decking and all-weather furnishings, these outdoor retreats don’t just look like a vacation, they feel like one, too.

2. Back to Earth: Warm Browns and Mixed Materials

Warm, earthy tones are making a comeback, replacing the cool grays that have dominated for years. Sun-kissed browns add richness and sophistication to any outdoor space. Homeowners are also mixing materials like stone, wicker and metals, and using deck boards of varying widths to create personalized, architecturally interesting layouts.

3. Climate-Resilient Materials Are a Must

From sun-drenched backyards to moisture-rich coastal settings, homeowners want materials that can stand up to the elements. Composite decking rises to the challenge, offering marine-grade durability and even heat-mitigating properties that keep surfaces cooler under the sun — all while maintaining long-lasting beauty and performance through extreme weather and changing seasons.

4. Small but Stunning: Maximizing Every Square Foot

Homeowners are embracing smaller, highly curated outdoor spaces that pack a visual punch and deliver maximum functionality. Creative design choices like layered textures, built-in seating and bold color accents can make even a modest patio or deck feel luxurious. Installing an under-deck drainage system, like Trex^® RainEscape^®, can instantly double outdoor living area by keeping the space under the deck dry and usable as a patio, spa area or fully functional outdoor room.

5. View-Optimization: Sleek Railing Solutions

Modern railing systems featuring sleek aluminum, cable and glass enhance sightlines while providing durability. These low-profile options allow homeowners to enjoy uninterrupted views without compromising safety or style.

6. Privacy, Please: Fencing and Screens

Privacy is now a design statement. Pergolas, shade screens and low-maintenance fencing create enclosed, personal retreats while maintaining aesthetics. With so many options, privacy features are no longer just functional, they’re design statements helping to transform backyards into personal sanctuaries that are both beautiful and highly livable.

Across all of these trends, one theme stands out: performance is powering design and giving homeowners more ways to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional and built to last. For more outdoor living ideas and inspiration, visit Trex.com.